Heart Themed Canvas [UsUk]

His Clockwork Heart [Ch.1]

A/N: This story is going with a long shjtty ass a/n nobody give a f,i delete it already

"Happy birthday, son," said his father with a gentle smile. Beside him, his wife also smiled, nodding her head in encouragement.

Alfred stared at the gigantic box, wondering what was in it. Apparently, they felt bad about dragging him on a long journey across the ocean to settle in England, of all places. He didn't understand it. Just over a hundred years beforehand, his ancestors had shucked the oppressive hand of imperialism but his parents wanted to live in it to 'improve their trade'.

So now there was an enormous box in their London house and he was supposed to be happy. Trying not to roll his eyes, he lifted the latch and opened it to stop his parents' pestering.

Inside, lay what appeared to be a young man, his eyes closed and his hands folded on his chest. "Argh!" cried Alfred, throwing himself backwards and letting the lid drop with a bang. "What on Earth?!"

His father chuckled. "Do not be alarmed, son. It's a clockwork doll."

Eyeing the length of the box, Alfred shook his head. "But... it's about the same size as me."

"Yeah, I thought it would be an interesting and unique birthday present." Downstairs, a clock chimed, indicating that it was five o'clock. "Ah. That's the signal for your mother and I to leave. We'll be back soon, so enjoy your present. The servants will make you a large dinner, just for you, too."

Frowning, Alfred looked back up at them. "But-"

He was cut off by his mother leaning over to give him a kiss on the forehead. "Behave, please," she said, smiling gently.

And so he had to watch his parents go off to a dinner some important merchants were holding especially for them. Apparently, his parents were popular over here and they had decided to arrange a party on the 4th of July. Of course, neither his parents nor the merchants were at fault, considering his birthday wasn't publicised. However, this was the loneliest and the worst birthday he had ever had.

Sighing as he heard the front door snap close, the sound echoing throughout the house, Alfred opened the box once again. Gazing down at the life-like doll, he noted the messy, blonde hair and the rather large eyebrows. Its hands were slender and delicate. The clothes were old but not faded, as though they were well kept. In fact, the style seemed to be something from a few years ago. Lying within the box was a top hat and cane.

Wondering what colour the maker had made its eyes, he reached out to touch an eyelid. It was soft, like skin. He shivered but took a breath to calm himself and slowly pried its eye open. Inside was what appeared to be an emerald, it glowed so brightly. The eye stared straight up which unnerved Alfred so he closed it again.

Carefully, Alfred lifted it in his arms till it was in a sitting position. Surely there was some way to work it? But there was no key sticking out of its back. Letting his eyes rove over the interior of the box, he finally spotted a smaller one, nestled at the doll's feet. Laying the doll back down, he picked it up and opened it. Inside was the key, an intricate pattern of flowers decorating it. He pulled the doll back up and, after searching for the keyhole, he inserted the key and began to turn it, listening to the cogs turning and clicking. Finally, he let go and sat back, leaning the doll against the wall and waiting.

Nothing happened and Alfred sighed. Well, that was a let-down, he thought.

Standing up, he turned to go. He was stopped in his tracks as a sudden breeze swept across the room. It was so strong, he staggered back a little before regaining his balance. Confused, he glanced at the window – it was closed.